Fatal Alliances: Chapter 13.5

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Had I hurt her? The damn question burned within me. I shouldn’t have tugged her so roughly towards me last night. She was sick, I should have been more gentle. Maybe she was right. Maybe I was a monster after all.

“Adr—Mr. Vandermir…” a soft voice filled the air.

Through the reflection of the window, she stood there in that crimson dress. She was a sight in it after all.

“Shouldn’t you be gone by now, Miss Greene?” I couldn’t help but ask. Nor could I admit that the place might actually start to feel empty without her here. I’d have expected her to run away by now. Far away. This was her chance.

“I’m not that manner-less.”

“You’re not?” I chuckled. She’s far from mannerless. She didn’t have to come back to tell me anything, she wasn’t obligated to anyway.

“I wanted to thank you. For everything you did for me, and I’m sorry I was such a bother to you. But really, thanks.” She smiled nervously, holding her hand out toward me.

She has no idea how much I hate myself right now.

“It’s not a business deal, we don’t have to shake hands,” I said, trying to get her to put her hand down.

“What’s wrong, Vandermir? Afraid you get cooties?”

“Does it hurt?” I asked, staring at how delicate her hands actually were. I really am a monster.

“Excuse me?” Confusion plagued her.

With a soft breath, I took her hand in mine. She was so delicately soft. Part of me broke inside.

“I meant, does it still hurt from last night? When I pulled you towards me.”

“No, I’m fine.”

She was lying. I knew it. But I had to accept her answer. I slide my hands in my pocket and drew my gaze back out the window. A quiet softness lingered between us. I didn’t want to keep her back much more. She’d been deprived of being with her family long enough.

“Well you should go now, you’re taking up too much of my time anyway,” I said, refusing to turn back. Some part of me didn’t want to see her walk away. What the hell was wrong with me?

“Greene.” I sucked in a breath.

She turned back towards me as I neared, grabbing the folder on the desk. “I find you quite impressive.” I couldn’t help but laugh softly. There was no lie in my words. Her qualifications indeed were.

“Huh?”

“-Your qualifications anyway. You got the internship in my Hotel, right?”

“You can start tomorrow. Just don’t be a screw-up.” I said, drinking in her slightly widened and mesmerizing eyes.

“I’ll- I’ll return the dress tomorrow.” She said awkwardly, taking me by surprise.

“Pardon?”

She was clearly flustered about something.

“I- well- the dress, I’ll return it tomorrow. I don’t want to be a freeloader or anything.” She trembled and slightly bit her lower lip.

This girl was unbelievably amusing.

“Why wait for tomorrow?” I smiled playfully, “You can give it back right now.”

Her eyes widened as colour began staining her cheeks. She stared up at me. This must have been the first time I shut Juliet Greene up. And I had to admit that I’d entertained the idea in a more sinful way. But I could no longer do that after today. After today it’d all be professional. After today, we’d be lucky if we even run into each other.

“I- I have to go.” She finally stated and left the room in a hurry.

***

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